The table topping Donegal/Derry Vipers hosted The Galway Warriors in Letterkenny last Sunday and hoped to seal a place in the IAFL2 Bowl Game (Divisional Superbowl). Colaiste Ailigh would be the venue for, what is tipped to be, the biggest game in the club’s history.
Ending their debut season with 5 losses and 1 win, it would have been easy to write the men from the 2 counties off. But after their game on Sunday The Vipers proved they were here to stay. After a phenomenal unbeaten start to the season, The Vipers, having won all 3 games, needed 1 more win to set up a final showdown with The Wexford Eagles, another unbeaten team within their division.
Nic Young
Having triumphed over The Razorbacks (27-0), The North Dublin Pirates (26-6) and Sundays opponents The Galway Warriors (24-6), the Vipers were feeling confident going into the game. With the backdrop of a great crowd, a PA system blaring rap and rock music, a commentator and some of the razzmatazz of an NFL game you would see in the States, The Vipers put on a show for the fans.
Kyle tackling a Galway player
Having received the ball on kick-off, The Vipers marched down the field and Tight End, Colm Kelly, caught a slick pass from Vipers QB Nic Young in the back of the end zone.
Niall taking down a Galway Warrior
After the PAT by Gary Melly (1 of his 4 completed that day) The Vipers led 7-0 early in the 1st quarter. The game hit a lull as both teams bedding in and while The Vipers dominated the field thanks to some excellent work by the Vipers Defense, the half ended 7-0. Early in the 3rd The Vipers sprung to life after a H/T team talk with Head Coach Jason Brock.
The Vipers have an abundance of talent at the QB position and it was the turn of Daniel Mullan to show his worth as he ran in a 15 yard touchdown.
Joe Doherty
Not to be outdone, QB Nic Young ran in the short yards to put two another score on the board. Melly once more notched up both PATs and it was 21-0 Vipers.
The Vipers defense then set about delighting the crowd. Interceptions from Eamonn Quinn and Daniel Mullan alongside the heavy hits of Line-backers Kyle McAneny, Niall Lyons and Paddy Maguire meant the Vipers would have their 2nd shutout of the season.
Nic Young in action
The Vipers offense and defense locked into gear and with the defense stopping the men from Galway with ease a number of times the Vipers scored 2 more touchdowns.
Danny
A run up the gut by veteran running back Derm Brown and 40 yard rush by Rookie Chris Tinney saw the game out.
Vipers won 34-0 and with that book themselves a place in the IAFL2 Bolw Game against The Wexford Eagles with 2 games to spare!